Method and apparatus for producing thrown yarn



April 29, 1941. I J. P. MCHUGH 2,239,684

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THR-OWN YARN April 29, 1941.

v.L P. MCHUGH METHQD AND APPARATUS PQR PRODUCxING THROWN YARN Filed Nov. 21. 193e 16 sheets-sheet 2` April 29, 1941 J. P. MCHUGH 2,239,684

April 29, 1941. 2,23,6s4

v v METHOD ANDvAPPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THROWN YARN Filed Nov. .21, 1936 16 sheetssheet 4 ,-:eilthwUnd?? l f NQ \h. m .Q w 5.@ l www MM..\ E :ENUM QN. I l. QN, am. w NW O 0 .b s

April 29, 1941.- J, P, Mel-UGH 2,239,684

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THROWN YARN Filed Nav. '21, 193e 1e sheets-sheet 5" gmc/wk@ www/My# April 29, 1941. 1 P, MCVHUGH 2,239,684

METHOD AND APPARATUS I'R PRODUCING THROWN YARN Fivled Noyl. 21, 1936 1e sheets-sheet e w I y 9@ .fam

J. P. MQHUGH Min-H05 AND .APPARATUSA ron Pnopucnu;l THRowN YARN April 29, 19471.

Fidled Nov. 21, 1936 ,mw/w) www@ April 29, 1941. J, p, McHuGl-l 2,239,684

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRGDUCING THROWN YARN,

Filed Nov. 21, 193e 16 sheets-sheet 9 April 29, 194,1. J. P. McHuGH unrxqn Ann APPARATUS rox rnonume Tunovm uns 16 sheets-sheet 1o Filed NIW. 21, 1936 April 29, 1 941. J. P. McHuGH 2,239,684

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THROW YARN Filled Nov. 21, 195s 1s sneefs-sheevn April 29, 1941. J. P. Mci-IUGH 2,239,634

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RDUCING THRQWN YARN v Filed Nov. 2l, 1936 16 Sheets-Sheet 12 Elma/WM April 29, 1941. J.P. MQHUGH 2,239,684

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THRQWN YARN Filed Nov. 21. 1936 1.6 Sheets-Sheet 15 April 29v 1941 J. P. Mol-UGH 2,239,684

AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUQING THROW YARN ME'rgon 16 shefrg-sheet 14 Filed Nov. 21, 1936 April 29', 1941.

J. P. MGH'UGH METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING' THROWN YARN Filed Nov.l 2l, 1936 16 sheetssneet 1e gmc/who@ ished hose.

Patented Apr. 29, i941 DIETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCIN G THROWN YARN Joseph P. McHugh, Scranton, Pa., assigner, by

mesne assignments, to Industrial Machine Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application November 21, 1936, Serial No. 112,150

is claims.. (ci. 57-75)y This invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing improved fully thrown lustrous yarn.

The term lustrous yarn as employed herein is intended to embrace such yarns as raw silk, rayon or artificial silk, spun silk, spun rayon, or yarn made from any of the above fibers as well as so-called synthetic pigment yarns. 1

It is the desideratum of the throwster to produce fully thrown yarn that will have high elasticity andvbe of substantially uniform cross-sec'- tional area throughout its length. Such a yarn is free from unevenness and produces a fabric of uniform texture.

The lack of evenness in hosiery tram has given rise to serious problems in' the hosiery industry,

more particularly in the production of so-called sheer fabric. Uneven yarn results in the formation of what are known to the trade as. rings shadows and washboard effects in the iin- These are largely the result of unevenness in the cross-sectional area and configu- .ration oi the yarn used in knitting the hose.

"medium of which thrown yarn possessing a high degree of elasticity, i. e., per cent elongation, and substantially, uniform cross-sectional area and coniguration may be produced.

The' twisting of yarn effects what "is known as a take-up in the yarn. This.takeup isrepdition, into fabric forming machinery Without rewill possess the elongation given to it in the sin-- through the medium of the twist is, of course, greater for higher twists than for lower twists since the more turns given the yarn, the more it takes up, which in turn makes the yarn heavier than prior to twisting thereof. In other words, a part ofthe length of the yarn is absorbed in the Vdiameter of the same. This increase in diameter for a iine end portion causes the same to be increased in diameter to a degree suiiicient to compare somewhat favorably with the normal diameter of the yarn. In doubling a plurality of vsingle ends, the take-up is further augmented bythe compensating eect of the several single ends that are being doubled.

' It can be seen from the foregoing that if the yarn can be kept in the condition that it assumes when spun and directly placed, while in this condrawing, coning, or. quilling and without exposing the yarn to a plurality of subsequent treatments involving various tension conditions, the yarn gle spinning operation. Such a yarn is far superior to yarns conventionally produced since proper elongation is very valuable in the knitting of silk hosiery as well asin the use of synthetic duced in accordance with conventional practice resented by the shortening of the yarn when `v twisted. The more turns per inch inserted during the twisting of the yarn. the shorter the same becomes. .Naturally the heavier the yarn, the

. sation for the iine' and heavy portions of the yarn is particularly eiected in my improved method of ring or cap spinning wherein the twist rolls into the yarn before it is exposed to the'high centrifugal force of the balloon caused by the spinning element.

The compensation for yarn variations ,eilected has been the repeated and variable tension imposed on the yarn in the throwing process. For example, in throwing raw silk in accordance with conventional practice, a plurality of single ends 1 y are drawn from individual bobbins rotated by the draft imposed on the single ends. Some of the bobbins may be full and others substantially empty, causing a different tension to be imposed on each single end entering the composite doubled yarn. A

Additionally, the drawing of the silk on rotate ing bobbins,- resulting-inthe placing of uneven tension on the respective single ends, often results A the compensating effect obtained by the doubling step. On redrawing the yarn, it is further'tensioned and attenuated, thus decreasing its elasticity and increasing its unevenness.

In accordance with the present invention, the yarn is subjected to no attenuation whatever. The single ends arexeach taken off from supplies with just sulcient pull to lift the thread from the supply. An absolute uniform minimum tension is imposed on each single end entering the composite yarn, and the doubling and spinning are completed in a single step without subjecting the thrown yarn to any tension or drafting action whatever. In this way the natural elasticity is fully preserved and acts to compensate for incidental unevenness in the yarn. Additionally I have observed thatyarn produced in accordance with the present invention is of substantially uni'formconfiguration and is virtually round, whereas yarns produced in accordance with current; practice are, because of the repeated `and uneven tensioning thereof, distorted and irthe spinning step in its then attained condition without having any stretch applied to it through other process steps, such as final twisting, coning, quilling, and redrawing. f

Furthermore, yarn produced in accordance with the present invention contains more natural gum than when produced by current methods since in the present process the twist imparted to the yarn prior to subjection to the centrifugal force of the single spinning step tends-to preclude the so-called shedding of the gum content as well as the shedding of the lubricant added in the bath or soaking step preliminary to the spinning operation. The imparting of substantial twist to the yarn prior to subjection to the centrifugal force of the spinning step likewise tends to avoid the shedding of bers that would otherwise be thrown out because of the splitting ot the niaments under the action of centrifugal force.

The method and apparatus of the present invention additionally enable the production of fully thrown lustrous -yarn free from ruptured filaments occasioned in conventional practice due to the abuse of the yarn in repeated mechanical cleaningv steps and because of the repetitions of subjection to high centrifugal force.

It is a further purpose and object of the invention to produce a finished package of fully thrown lustrous yarn that permits of taking the yarn from the packageof a knitting machine without snarling or breaking. It is likewise the purpose `of the invention to permit the direct b uilding of cops or quills ready for direct use inthe shuttle of a weaving machine.

The invention further contemplates the provision of a method and apparatus for fully throwing lustrous yarn through the medium of which the yarn is protected against deleterious effects of friction which denude the yarn of lubricant, thus preserving .the texture and structure of the yarn. f

It is additionally an object of the invention to provide a novel and improved apparatus for eecting the complete throwing of lustrous yarn in a single spinning step while producing a novel package of especial utility in fabric forming machinery.

' of t'hisspecication and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the entire machine embodying' this invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational View of the machine shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an end elevational view of the said machine;

Figurefi is a fragmentary end elevational view of one end member of a. modified form of main frame unit;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the frame modiilcation shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a detail vertical sectional View taken on line 6 6 of Figure 4;

Figure 'l is a detail elevational View of a portion of the machine and illustrates the thread or yarn supply with tensioning mechanism for the single end taken from the supply bobbin or spool and with feed mechanism and stop motion mechanism also illustrated;

Figure 8`is a detail elevational view of the thread or yarn tensioning mechanism;

Figure 9 is a. view taken at right angles to Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a detail perspective view illustrating the form of feed roll and an associated thread or yarn guide;

Figure 1l is a detail elevational view disclosing a portion of the stop motion mechanism, a ring spinner, and a spindle with its associated brake;

Figure 12 is a detail top plan view illustrating a. portion of the stop motion mechanism and the feed roll; l

Figure 13 is a vertical sectional view of the mechanism shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a detail end elevational view of the traverse or builder mechanism employed for effecting proper traverse movement of the various ring spinners;

Figure 15 is a top plan view of the traverse or builder mechanism disclosed in Figure 1'4;

Figures 16 to 21, inclusive, are detail views of different portions of the traverse or builder motion mechanism;

Figure 22 is a detail elevational view of a supporting or mounting arm employed in connection with the drive mechanism for the feed roll;

Figure 23 is a detail transverse sectional view of a portion of the tension mechanism supporting bar;

Figure 24 is a detail elevational View of a por` tion of the mounting and drive mechanism for the feed roll illustrated in Figure 11;

Figures 25 to 27, inclusive, are detail views of different portions of the stop motion mechanism illustrated more completely in Figures 11 and 12;

Figure 28 is a detail plan view of a latch member employed inzthe stop motion mechanism;

Figure 29 is a diagrammatic view of the wiring system employedA as a part of the stop motion mechanism; l v

Figure 30 is a detail side elevational view of many different lengths andwith Widely varying mechanism employed for adjusting the electric motor, or other prime mover, to effect tightening or tensioning of the drive belt fr the various spindles;

Figure 31 is a view in elevation taken at right angles to the disclosure of Figure 30;

Figure A32 is a detail top plan view disclosing in part the manner of mounting the electric motor for adjustment longitudinally of the spinner frame; v

Figure 33 is a detail elevational view, partly illustrated in section and partly broken away, of the drive mechanism from the spindle driving belt to the drive for the traverse or builder motion mechanism and the feed rolls;

Figure 34 is a detail elevational view of a portion of the drivefmechanism illustrated in the lower portion of Figure 33;

Figure 35 is a. side elevational view of the drive mechanism illustrated in Figure 34;

Figure 36 is a. detail elevational view of a sprocket chain adjusting idleremployed to tension the chain; f

Figure 37 is a vertical sectional view of an idler pulley employed in connection with the spindle driving belt;

Figures 38 to 40, inclusive, are diagrammatic views of the sprocket and chain mechanism emor spools .which are carried by creels.- The bobbins or spools carrying the supply of single ends, or the like, are supported in a manner to enable the single end strands to be fed axially without an 'appreciable' amount of tension or pull being placed thereon. In the actual operation of the ployed for driving the traverse or builder motion mechanism and the feed roll;

Figure 41 illustrates diagrammatically the contour of a finished package of thread or yarn pro.`

duced by this machine with a chart or graphillustrating the building of the package by a multiple cycle traverse motion of the spinner ring; and

Figure 42 is a schematic view illustrating the manner in which an octagon shaped cam, which forms a part of the traverse or builder motion mechanism, functions to progressively adjust the various cycles employed for building a single package.

It is believed that a brief description of the various mechanisms, or units, considered in the order in which the single end strands are dealt with in throwing the same to produce the desired doubled and twisted yarn and the final headless package, will enable one skilled inthe art to arrive at a general understanding of the machine and its mode of operation.

A more detailed description will followfor those who are interested in a minute study of the machine.

The main or base frame of the machine, designated in its entirety by the reference character A, is disclosed in one form in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, and in a modified form. in Figures 4 to 7,

' inclusive. This main or base frame A consists of end frame members or castings and intermediate frame members or castings which are spaced at any desired distances along the length machine, the single end strands have the appearance of floating as they leave the bobbins or spools. They clearlyv can be seen to utter and ripple in the space between the supply bobbins and the tensioning mechanism.

The single ends or preliminary composite strands are fed through tensioning mechanism designated in its entirety by the reference character C. 'I'his tensioning mechanism is very clearly illustrated in Figures 2, 3,' and 7 to 9, inclusive. The various single end or preliminary composite strands are all subjected to light, uniform tension by this mechanism.

The feeding of the yarn from the supply mechanism and through the 'tensioning mechanism is effected by the feeding devices designated in their entirety by the reference character D. This feed ing mechanism is illustrated very completely in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, 7, and 10 to 13, inclusive. In the feeding of the single end or preliminary composite strands, the same leave their several tensioning devices, constituting the tensioning mechanism C, and are fed upwardly through a suitable porcelain condensing eye and then downwardly to a feed roll of considerable diameter, as compared to feed rolls forming a part of spinning frames now in common use throughout the industry. The doubled strands are given several turns around this ylarge feed roll. This comparatively large amount of strands maintained between the several tensioning devices and .the feed roll, coupled with the large supply of doubled strands maintained on the feed roll, plays a very important part in enabling this machine to produce fully thrown yarn which possesses a very high rating for percentageof evenness.`

The doubled strands leave the feed roll with a preliminary twist provided therein and then travel to the ring spinner mechanism which is designated in its entirety by the reference character'E. This ring spinner mechanism is clearly illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, and 11.

The ring spinner mechanism puts the final twist in the doubled strands and builds the desired nal headless'package on quills, cops, cones, or the like, as a result of the action of the traveler, which forms a part of the ring spinner, the traverse of the ring spinner with reference to the spindle on which the quill, cop, cone, or the like, is mounted, and the speed of rotation of the spindle.

Suitable traverse or builder motion mechanism is provided for properly actuating the ring spinner. This traverse or builder motion mechanism is designated in its entirety by the reference character F and is very completely illustrated in Figures l, 2, and 14 to 2l, inclusive.

Suitable stop motion mechanism is provided for breaking the drive to the feed roll of the feeding mechanism D when any one ofthe strands breaks at any point between the supply bobbin or spool and the feed roll. This stop motion mechanism is very clearly and completely illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, '7 to 13, inclusive, and 22 to 28, inclusive, and is designated in its entirety by the reference character G.

The stop motion mechanism is partly electrical. The wiring diagram for the stop motion' mechanism is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 29 and is referred to in its entirety by the reference character H.

From the above brief description, it will be appreciated that a suitable form of drive mechanism must be provided for the feeding mechanism, the various spindles,4 and the traverse or builder motion mechanism for the ring spinners. This drive mechanism is designated in its entirety by the reference character I and is illustrated in full assembly in Figures 1 to 3, inclusive, while the various individual branches extending to the feeding mechanism, the various spindles, and the traverse or builder motion mechanism are illustrated in detail in Figures 7, 11 to 15, inclusive, 24, and 30 to 40, inclusive.'

This drive mechanism includes a prime mover, such as an electric motor, which drives an endless belt which is suitably supported and trained over rolls to effect drive of the various spindles through their whlrls. The drives for the traverse or builder motion mechanismand the feeding mechanism are of a positive character' and receive their motive power from one of the pulleys over which the spindle driving belt is trained. This character of drive possesses marked advantage over the conventional drives for spinning frames now on the market. 'Ihis is due to the fact that in the present drive mechanism, any slippage which occurs between the pulley of the driving motor, o`r other prime mover, and the spindle driving belt affects the traverse or builder motion mechanism and the doubled strand feedlng mechanism to the same extent as such slippage affects the drive of the various spindles. In spinning frames now in common use by the industry, the drive for the various spindles is independent of the drive for the traverse or builder motion and the feeding mechanism so that` slippage may occur in the spindle drive while the drive for the traverse or builder motion mechanism and the feeding mechanism may remain normal. 'I'hisvariance in driving conditions in the spinning frames now on the market results in the production of imperfect wind on'the spools or bobbins as well as slack twist.

The operation of this machine results in the y production of a finished headless package which Cil A detail description now :will be given of the y various elements which form the different mech- Y anisms or parts of the entire machine,

i Main or base ffme Referring particularly to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the reference character I designates the end frame members. Each one of these end frame members consists of the perpendicular bars'2, 3, 4 and 5. A transverse bottom brace bar 6 interconnects all of the vertical members 2 to 5, inclusive. A transverse upper brace member I also connects the perpendicular members 2 to 5, inclusive, at their upper ends. Centrally of the end frame member is a vertically extending bracket 8 which is offset laterally of the planeof the main body portion of the frame member. This offset bracket 8 is provided at its upper end with a bearing 9 to receive a shaft of the driving mechanism, which will be described in detail at a later point.

Located laterally of each side of the-bracket 8 are the additional upstanding brackets I0 which are provided at their upper ends with openings II to receive the longitudinally extending rods l2. These rods function to tie the end frame members together and to support portions of the driving mechanism for the feed rolls.

Projecting outwardly at each side of each end frame member is a bracket arm I3 to which are clamped, or otherwise suitably secured, the pair of rods I4 which collectively function as a spindle supporting rail.

Projecting upwardly from each bearing portion 9 of each end frame member is a seat I5 for the two longitudinally extending rods I5 which function throughout the length of theframe to support the strand supply mechanism B. These rods or rails I 6 are clamped to the seat I5 by the top plates I1.

A longitudinally extending rod I 8 is provided at each side of the main frame and is fastened thereto by suitable brackets I9. These longitudinally extending rods or rails I8 not only 'function to tie the end framemembers together but also function to support transversely extending rock shafts which function as a part of the traverse or builder motion mechanism.. These shafts will be described in detail at a later point.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the end frame members as being provided with adjustable feet 20 which may be employed for properly leveling the frame.

The intermediate frame members or castings 2| are spaced from each other any desired distance and are distributed throughout the length of the main frame to provide proper support for the various longitudinally extending tie rods. rails, or the like. Figure 2 illustrates each one of these intermediate frame members 2l as being provided with a suitable supporting bracket and clamp 2Ia for receiving the longitudinally extending rods I4 which function as spindle rails on each side of the main frame. Adjustable feet 20 are provided for each side of each one of the 

